EDMUNDS.COM 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
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| Editors'' Review |
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Its fun-to-drive character, upscale interior and wide range of features and options make this our favorite midsize sedan and wagon. Don''t buy your next family car without driving one of these first.
Pros
Fun to drive, excellent value in GL or GLS trim, roomy interior with upscale feel, outstanding build and materials quality, available all-wheel drive.
Cons
Expensive upper-level models, less rear-seat room than some competitors, some confusing interior controls.
What''s New for 2004
The big news for 2004 is the addition of a 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder engine to the lineup late in the model year. The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is a delayed option on 1.8T-equipped GLS models. Also note that the 2.8-liter V6 is no longer available on GLS models. The premium Monsoon stereo and Homelink are now standard on all GLS models, while wood trim has been added to the optional Leather Package. The ESP stability control system is now standard on the GLX. Rounding out the changes are restyled 15- and 16-inch wheels and new side mirrors with integrated turn signals.
Overview
Introduction:
Ever since the mid-1997 incarnation of the current generation -- followed by significant updates in mid-2001 -- the Volkswagen Passat has proven to be our favorite midsize family car. Apparently consumers agree with our assessment. Sales of Passats have increased more than six-fold since 1997. The car appeals to those who seek something a little different from the mainstream and are willing to pay a little more for the Passat''s style and European engineering. For 2002 we saw the first production application of VW''s "W" family of engines, as the long-awaited Passat W8 sedan and wagon arrived in the U.S., replete with the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. With an MSRP in the upper $30Ks, the entry-luxury W8 is out of reach for the typical family car buyer, but look at it this way: Where else can you find a German car with eight cylinders for this price? Still, there are many good six-cylinder competitors in this price bracket, so it''s a good idea to shop around. This year, Volkswagen makes a bid for buyers seeking frugal transportation by adding a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel four-cylinder to the lineup. The 2.0-liter TDI isn''t big on horsepower, but you can expect plenty of low-end torque and mileage in the high 30s. A diesel-powered Passat? Not quite what you''d expect from this ultrarefined family car, but it now holds the distinction of being the only diesel-powered car in the midsize sedan segment. The Passat family is now spread out across the $20,000-to-$40,000 price range; whether you seek a cloth-lined sedan with a manual transmission or a leather-lined, eight-cylinder wagon with all-wheel drive, you''ll be getting an entertaining midsize car with comfortable, upscale cabin accommodations, a lengthy list of safety features and tight construction.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
VW offers the Passat sedan and wagon in four trim levels -- GL, GLS, GLX and W8. The GL comes with 15-inch steel wheels, a driver-seat height adjuster, air conditioning, a CD player, cruise control, power windows and locks, keyless entry, power-heated mirrors and a full-size spare. Options include a premium sound system and a dealer-installed CD changer. The GLS adds alloy wheels, a sunroof and an upgraded Monsoon stereo; options include seat heaters, leather upholstery and a CD changer. All of the above are standard on the GLX, except the CD changer, which remains optional. Additionally, GLX models come with 16-inch wheels, power seats, automatic climate control and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. If you spring for the W8, you''ll get xenon headlamps and an upgraded trip computer, in addition to an eight-cylinder engine. A sport package with a firmer suspension and 17-inch wheels is optional on the W8 only.
Powertrains and Performance:
Of the four engine choices, our favorite is the 1.8-liter turbocharged inline four that delivers 170 horsepower. It''s standard on the GL and GLS. The other choice on GL and GLS models is a 134-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel four-cylinder, which is unfortunately not available in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont. Though low on horsepower, the diesel offers an impressive 247 pound-feet of torque while delivering fuel mileage in the high 30s. Standard on the GLX is a 190-hp 2.8-liter V6. The V6 is smooth, but it''s down on horsepower compared to other six-cylinders in this class. All of the above engines come with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the W8 sedan and wagon are powered by a compact 4.0-liter, eight-cylinder engine (called "W8" because of its staggered cylinders) that develops 270 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices on the W8 include a six-speed manual and a five-speed auto. Standard on the W8 and optional on select GLX and GLS models is the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.
Safety:
All models come with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control, side airbags for front occupants and full-length head curtain airbags. Stability control is standard on the GLX and W8 and optional on other models. In government crash testing, the Passat earned a perfect five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts and four stars in the side-impact categories. The IIHS gave it a "Good" rating for the frontal offset crash test and named it a "Best Pick" among midsize cars.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Even at the GL trim level, the Passat''s cabin is comfortable and upscale in feel. The rear seat is a little tight compared to the competition, but it''s perfectly adequate for two adults. Wagons provide 39 cubic feet of luggage space; fold down the 60/40-split rear seat and you''ll have 56.5 cubic feet (54.6 for 4Motion models).
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
With a well-balanced suspension and perfectly weighted steering, the Passat is one of the most entertaining midsize cars around. Some drivers might find body roll a bit excessive around turns, but the trade-off for excellent ride quality is worthwhile.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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